The Contract

Chapter 108

"Something I blame entirely on Orion Black," Corvus scowled, completely displeased. "I am sorry to say that with age Bellatrix didn't become more manageable. She became even more unhinged, after the Dark Lord fell that night, the Dark side mourned, rumours began to reach us, one such thing was that the Longbottoms knew what happened. Bellatrix immediately went there to demand answers, Barty quite understandably following in her lead and my boys as always went to try and stop Bellatrix from getting herself caught. That's not to say they're innocent, of course, they did go along with it and did torture two people, but Bellatrix went one better and kept it on until they were driven insane."

"They were caught?" Dorea asked with sympathy. Azkaban was no place to be regardless of the crimes committed, unless it was child killers, then they deserved to be there.

"They were, but to the world, they are entirely innocent," his lips twitching in a look reminiscing of the cat that caught the canary. "Your grandson actually came up with the idea, Dorea he truly is the most amazing young man I've had the honour to meet. Hopefully you've not caused irreparable damage, first impressions count, and unfortunately, he's received doubt that you'll care because he's a half-blood, I do hope that's not the case." Giving her a grim look, he knew things where 'acceptable' naturally, of course, until they happen to your family and then it's a bad thing.

"Of course not!" Dorea protested vehemently, family was family, she'd even kept in touch with Marius when he was disowned. Heart warming in pride and pleased beyond belief for a grandson she'd only just met. High praise indeed coming from Corvus who was notoriously difficult to please.

"I'm pleased to hear that," Corvus informed her, "Especially seeing as it was his desire to speak to you that led to you being awoken." Giving her the blunt truth. He just wanted to know family, his family history and such, no doubt hearing how much he was like Dorea encouraged Harry's desire to see her.

"The Muggles? Their treatment? Tell me everything, Corvus," Dorea commanded, leaning forward in her portrait, just as demanding of things pertaining to her family dead as in life. "In fact, don't leave anything out." Her grey eyes gleaming darkly, as if she was already doling out punishment to those who had harmed her only grandchild.

Although, in her wildest nightmares she couldn't have dreamed what the Dursley's had done to her grandson.

"I would be here forever telling you everything that's happened in this past decade and a half," Corvus explained soothingly, "However, I'll give you passage to visit the portraits at Lestrange Manor, and anything you want to know, I'll ensure they tell you. I will however, give you Harry's personal history since it's important you know everything." He did not want her accidentally tearing Harry's self-esteem to ribbons. The portraits in the estate were well up to date on everything, and would do doubt delight in having someone new around to talk to.

"Alright, I'll agree to that," Dorea agreed, Corvus stood easily - especially for his age - and inserted his wand into her frame, and murmured too quietly for even her to hear the words. A connection to her frame opened, but until he repeated the progress at home, it was a one-way street. "I just don't understand where Charlus is...we had portraits made together..." glancing around as if hoping to see Charlus suddenly in one of the empty frames.

"I'll find him and activate him if he's here, that's if Rabastan and Harry don't," Corvus promise, his heart hurting once more, just wishing he and his lovely wife had taken the time to get those portraits made. If not for himself, then for his sons who had grown up devoid of a mother, and he hadn't contemplated taking on another wife, not even for their sake, he just couldn't do it. When he'd made those vows, he meant them. Even if he had been very lonely.

Dorea relaxed and gave Corvus a gratuitous smile, her son was twenty-one when he died, what were the chances that he had a portrait of his own? Oh, she just wanted to see Charlus again, he'd been so wrecked the last time she remembered seeing him. Which was the last time she'd updated her portrait before she passed away.